Ophelia Dore memorialised the late Alex Chick of Centre College with a concert on what would have been his 28th birthday at Belmont University's Curb Café on October 24th. The accredited composer stepped beyond her usual realm of musical expertise to not only speak at the event she organised, but make her first public performance as a singer and harpist. The concert began on a touching note, as Dore's pianist, Gregory Wittenberg, first played "Souring Soul", Dore's premier composition and Mr. Chick's own song of dedication written shortly after his death in 2015. The piece follows the progression of what a clearly classically trained musician would've written, and although without risk, the soft air of sadness combined with a sentimentality unlike any other could bring even the toughest of hearts to their knees. In those minutes, Ophelia Dore managed to revive Alex Chick to be alive and well, touching every audience member with a unique degree of love and carefree vitality. The performance continued with several wonderfully sombre and beautiful instrumentals, including such of Ludovico Einaudi and notable film composers, James Newton Howard and Marcelo Zarvos. For each transition, Dore spoke, and although she shook with clear stage fright and terror of failure, she found her composure to continue for what she later described to be "an obligation to Alex, to keep him forever alive in music and memory, and to his incredible family, particularly his brother." Fighting back tears through powerful renditions of David Cook's "Permanent" and Red's "Pieces", Dore proved herself not only as a force to be reckoned with, but as a passionate and dedicated individual unwilling to give any less than every last drop of blood, sweat, and tears. Singing with friend Emma Ohm, and accompanied by another friend and gifted guitarist Lars Avis, it was clear that Dore would not be capable of finishing her efforts without the reassuring presence of the talented musicians beside her. Together, the raw emotions transformed into a creation Chick would certainly be proud of. Towards the end of the night, Dore gave the stage to two musicians of fine reputation and noteworthy talent. To bring the show towards a sentiment of celebration, Emma Ohm continued the set with a personality filled to the brim with excitement and sociability. Bearing a voice perfect for jazz and improvisation, Ohm brought smiles with energetic renditions of "Valerie" and Kevin Michael's "We All Want the Same Thing". To finish her time on stage, Ohm rocked the show with her original song entitled "Crack", and thanked Dore for the opportunity to be a part of such a special occasion. The closing musician, Jake Wesley Rogers, enraptured every soul with his original and enchanting song, "Psalm". His voice carried through the Curb Café as though by an angel, leaving no one without feeling immense gratitude for their livelihoods. There could not have been a more brilliant nor appropriate piece for such a heart filled night of grief, nostalgia, and friendship, and it is with this knowledge that Wesley and Dore shared a quick embrace off stage. As a whole, the concert itself was clearly despite the surrounding levels of university and peer cooperation. Although musicians dropped out of the show at the last minute and university policy blocked access to some instruments, Dore forged on, with "The Show Must Go On" serving as the night's motto and silently acknowledged theme song. Without regard to these challenges, Dore's only concern was the legacy of a bright young man, and to ensure he had yet another birthday on this earth. The blend of how Dore spoke of Chick and the symbolic messages in each meticulously chosen song of the set list made everyone in the venue feel as though he was their closest friend, and grieved for him as such.

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